Cambodia Tribunal Monitor: Discussion with University Students at National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia

February 26, 2010



During the year-long break before the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC)’s next trial, it is imperative that the public continue receiving information about the judicial process. In addition to reaching out to survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime to explain the significance of the case against the four most senior Khmer Rouge leaders still living, DC-Cam will expand its outreach activities to reach young target groups with whom we have built connections in the past. University students who have participated in DC-Cam’s Student Outreach Program since 2005 have made numerous requests to DC-Cam for our assistance in participating in the tribunal process.



In the first stage of the Student Outreach program, university students were recruited to join the program during the summertime, when they received training on the ECCC law, the agreement between the Cambodian Government and the United Nations and other basic information on court’s work. After that they were sent to the provinces to distribute documents and explain to villagers about the ECCC process. These students in turn got the chance to speak to survivors and learn from their experiences under the Khmer Rouge. In the next phase, university students and other youths are being provided the opportunity to receive information about DK history and to learn about the judicial process through occasional study tours to DC-Cam, field trips, and visits to the ECCC.



Recognizing the importance of working with youth, DC-Cam, in cooperation with Northwestern University School of Law’s Center for International Human Rights, is making an effort to increase their understanding of the importance of ECCC proceedings by introducing the Cambodia Tribunal Monitor website or CTM (www.cambodiatribunal.org) to schools and universities in Cambodian cities. The Cambodia Tribunal Monitor website ― on which reports of ECCC hearings, video of the first trial’s entire proceedings, news and discussion on the proceedings and the tribunal generally are posted ― can play a prominent role in educating students about the tribunal. Student groups, who have access to the internet, will benefit greatly from the information provided. In addition to promoting these students’ discussion about the tribunal process, the information will provide them legal education.



On February 26, 2010, DC-Cam Director Youk Chhang is invited to meet with 1000 students from National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia to present on the work of DC-Cam, and its contribution to reconciliation in Cambodia . In addition, students will have an opportunity to receive information on the ECCC through Cambodia Tribunal Monitor website. Finally, the booklets “Genocide” that focuses on the importance of Case 002 involving the four senior Khmer Rouge leaders in custody will be distributed to the students after the speech. The agenda for the meeting is detailed as below:



9:00 am: Short remark by H.E. University Principle Bun Phearin and Nin Try, Professor of National University of Management



9:30 am: Youk Chhang, Director of Documentation Center of Cambodia

“Reconciliation in Cambodia ”



Sovanndany Kim, Team Leader of DC-Cam’s Cambodia Tribunal Monitor project

Presentation on Cambodia Tribunal Monitor Website (CTM)



10:30 am: Distribution of Booklet “Genocide: Who Are the Senior Khmer Rouge Leader to be Judged? The Importance of Case 002”



In Cooperation with Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, CTM is funded by the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation of Evanston, Illinois (USA) through Northwestern University of Law’s Center for International Human Rights (CIHR). For more info, please contact: Vanthan Peoudara at 012 846 526.